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Peckham to podium: John Boyega takes home Rising Star BAFTA

LONDON-BORN actor John Boyega has continued his film star reign after collecting the coveted EE Rising Star BAFTA at last night’s ceremony (Feb 14).

The 23-year-old, who wowed audiences and critics alike with his performance in the seventh instalment of the hit Star Wars franchise, said he was “ever so grateful” for the honour.

“Ever so grateful! Thank you again to the members of the public that voted for me. Blessing to you all,” he wrote on Instagram, shortly after collecting the coveted prize.

Taking to the stage, he said: “First and foremost I want to thank God for this moment.

“Guys, I haven’t been doing this for a long time, it’s a fluke! I’m gonna share this award with all the young dreamers who are determined, who are hard working, who are quite frankly amazing. This is also for you. Blessings for your path and God bless.”

John joins the likes of previous recipients Will Poulter, Tom Hardy, Kristen Stewart, Noel Clarke, Eva Green and James McAvoy.

The actor had his screen debut in the critically acclaimed BBC series, Becoming Human before playing the lead in cult sci-fi film, Attack the Block.

His first BAFTA came just days after Star Wars: The Force Awakens raced into the history books by becoming the highest-grossing movie of all-time domestically and one month after John, from Peckham, south London, was listed on the inaugural Forbes 30 Under 30 list.

The rundown profiled the 300 young innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders across Europe who are under 30 years of age and who are transforming business, technology, finance, media, culture and more, as judged by some of the most accomplished and acclaimed individuals in each category.